Araphor was only eighteen years old when he came to the throne of Arthedain because his father was killed in battle in the defence of Amon Sûl. Although young, Araphor was valiant and he avenged his father by repelling the enemy from Fornost and the North Downs with the aid of Círdan of Lindon. The remnant faithful of the Dúnedain in Cardolan also helped repel the enemy from the Tyrn Gorthad, or took refuge in the forest behind.

It was during the wars with Angmar, and the reign of Araphor, that the Stoors living in the Angle (between the rivers Hoarwell and Loudwater) continued to move west and south out of Rhudaur out of dread. Some of the Stoors went back over the Misty Mountains to dwell beside the Gladden become the fisherfolk Sméagol and Déagol descended from.